Two Builders, Only One Foundation
Read: Matthew 7:24-29 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. (vv. 28-29) Most theology books are based on works by other theologians—you can read about them in the footnotes and bibliographies at the back […]
The Way of Salvation
Read: Matthew 5:1-3; 7:12-14 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (v. 3) The Sermon on the Mount is not the way of salvation. Jesus’ concern in the sermon is not to explain to people how they can be saved but to teach them how to live once they […]
The Message of Jesus
Read: Matthew 4:12-17 Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (v. 17) This might surprise you, but Jesus wasn’t a Christian. A Christian is one who has been saved by grace through faith in Christ. Jesus wasn’t justified by faith; he was justified by his own righteous works. Christians have been reconciled to […]
November Prayer Guide 2021
SOUTH SUDAN — Revenge killings continue in South Sudan. Pray that the peace of Christ as proclaimed through Words of Hope programs would turn hearts toward non-violence. We have heard directly from individuals who, after listening to Words of Hope messages about peace and reconciliation in Christ, have decided to forgive revenge killings in their […]
Jesus’ Public Ministry
Read: Matthew 4:23-25 And he went throughout all Galilee . . . (v. 23) Matthew 4 and Matthew 9 contain two almost identical passages (compare 4:23-25 and 9:35). Between these bookends is a series of snapshots illustrating the three major elements in Jesus’ public ministry. First, he preached. He “went throughout all Galilee . . […]
The Summit of Grace
Read: Romans 8:31-39 We are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (v. 37) Our climb up the mountain of Romans 8 began with the life-giving declaration “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (v. 1). It ends with the breathtaking view from the summit that nothing “will be able to separate […]
Making Sense of Suffering
Read: Romans 8:18-30 All things work together for good . . . (v. 28) The question “How can a good God allow so much suffering?” prevents many from receiving Jesus. In my pastoral experience, however, the biblical view of suffering is the only explanation because it offers an origin, an end, and a cure. Suffering […]
Dearest Dad!
Read: Romans 8:12-17 But you have received the Spirit of adoption . . . (v. 15) British royalty provides endless fascination for many with its pomp, formality, and tabloid stories. I find their titles of nobility intriguing. Prince Charles has 20! If you or I addressed him, we’d use words like His Royal Highness, Prince […]
Mount Everest
Read: Romans 8:1-11 No condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (v. 1) The book of Romans is sometimes described as the Himalayas of the Bible and Romans 8 as Mount Everest. I agree! Once while flying from India to Nepal, my eyes grew wide as the 29,031-foot mountain came into view. The sky […]